Cal. Civ. Code § 398.5
Underskirting and Tie-down Equipment
Operative Text
A manufactured home community owner or operator may designate the type of material or manner of installation for underskirting, awnings, porches, fences or other additions and alterations to the exterior of the manufactured home and tie-down equipment compliant with all applicable requirements of the act of November 29, 2004 (P.L.1282, No.158), known as the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act, and the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in order to insure the safety and good appearance of the manufactured home community, but under no circumstances may a resident be required to purchase such equipment from a supplier designated by the community owner or operator. (5 amended Oct. 19, 2010, P.L.546, No.80) Compiler's Note: Section 5 of Act 80 of 2010, which amended section 5, provided that Act 80 shall apply to: (1) New sales and leases of manufactured home community spaces entered into after the effective date of section 5. (2) Extensions and renewals of leases of manufactured home community spaces entered into after effective date of section 5.
Under 68 P.S. § 398.5, a manufactured home community owner or operator is permitted to set standards for the type of materials and installation methods used for exterior features such as underskirting, awnings, porches, fences, and tie-down equipment, provided those standards align with the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act and the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act. The rule is designed to maintain safety and the overall appearance of the community. However, the provision draws a firm line: residents cannot be compelled to buy any of this equipment from a vendor that the community owner or operator selects.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Community owners and operators subject to 68 P.S. § 398.5 generally maintain written standards specifying acceptable materials and installation methods for underskirting, tie-downs, and other exterior additions, ensuring those standards conform to the Manufactured Housing Improvement Act and the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act. Compliant operators make these standards available to residents and apply them consistently across the community. Critically, operators do not condition compliance on residents purchasing equipment from any particular or designated supplier, as that practice is expressly prohibited by this provision.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Under 68 P.S. § 398.5, residents of manufactured home communities in Pennsylvania have a clear right to purchase underskirting, tie-down equipment, and other exterior materials from any supplier of their choosing, even if the community sets standards for what types of materials or installation methods are acceptable. If a community owner or operator attempts to require purchase from a specific vendor, that requirement conflicts with this provision. Residents who believe this right is being violated may consider contacting the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, a local tenant-rights organization, or a housing attorney familiar with manufactured housing law for general information about available options.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 10, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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